Chivu: Inter’s Domestic Double Must Not Be Taken For Granted After 2026 Triumphnewsline24

Inter completed a Serie A and Coppa Italia domestic double with a 2-0 win over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, as first-half goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez secured the Coppa. The Nerazzurri celebrated a 10th triumph in Italy’s primary cup competition and maintained a strong recent finals record.

The victory delivered Inter’s first domestic double since 2010, when Cristian Chivu played in a side that also lifted the Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Inter have now won each of their last five Coppa Italia finals, confirming a period of sustained success in Italian knockout football.

Only Juventus, with 15 titles, have claimed the Coppa Italia more often than Inter, who now sit on 10 wins. Martinez and Thuram struck before half-time against Lazio, allowing Inter to control the contest and add this season’s cup to the recently secured Serie A Scudetto.

Martinez’s goal extended a strong personal record in Coppa Italia showpieces. The Argentina international now has three goals in Coppa Italia finals, matching the Inter tallies of Hernan Crespo and Julio Cruz. Despite that mark, Martinez chose to focus attention on coach Cristian Chivu’s influence after the final whistle.

“Inter won two trophies this season, we deserved them after a good campaign,” Chivu told Sportmediaset. “We are all happy with what we have overcome in these years. We’re happy for our fans, happy for the club always showing us support. We won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, and that should never be taken for granted, so we’re very happy.”

Chivu stressed that domestic honours retain major value for the club and supporters, especially after a challenging spell. Inter have endured difficult periods in recent seasons, yet this campaign brought two trophies and consistent performances in Italy, reinforcing the coach’s message about appreciating success at home.

Inter domestic double, season overview and European setback

Inter’s season was not flawless, as European ambitions ended with a defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the knockout-stage play-offs. That exit limited the campaign’s impact beyond Italy, but the league title and Coppa Italia win ensured the club still finished the year with significant domestic achievements.

“We’d give Chivu a 10 out of 10, because he helped us so much,” Martinez said. “It means a lot, because it was not easy to get back on track after what happened last season, but we managed a truly remarkable season.”

The club’s domestic record this season and in recent Coppa Italia finals can be summarised as follows.

Inter domestic double celebrations contrast with Lazio and Sarri issues

For Lazio, the Coppa Italia defeat underlined a difficult campaign. Maurizio Sarri’s team are unable to secure European qualification through Serie A, leading to further scrutiny of the coach’s position. Sarri’s future has been a subject of discussion in recent weeks, and the coach again avoided giving clear answers.

“I don’t care about my future tonight; it’s up for discussion on both sides. I’m sorry for the boys. I saw them in a difficult state of mind. I’m sorry for the fans,” Sarri said.

Sarri also addressed Lazio’s upcoming derby against Roma, scheduled for Sunday at 12.30, which has already drawn controversy due to Lazio’s push for a late kick-off change. The coach delivered a strong message about the planning, suggesting deep frustration with decisions taken by league officials.

“My feeling is that, on Sunday at 12.30, I won’t come,” Sarri said. “The mess comes from a series of mistakes made by the league. If I were the president, I wouldn’t even introduce the team. There are five teams playing for the Champions League, which is worth 80m, and Roma’s game is played at 12.30? This is not football.”

The contrasting emotions at the Stadio Olimpico highlighted Inter’s satisfaction after sealing a domestic double and Lazio’s concerns about results and scheduling. Inter now reflect on a campaign defined by Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs, while Lazio and Sarri focus on unsettled plans and missed European targets.